Important Reminder: The application deadline for our Research Community Engagement (RCE) and Humane Genomics Education (HGE) awards was extended to August 31st!! 1/4

Read about a recent event supported in part by a Special Event Award (SEA) from the AGA! The University of Kansas Center for Genomics (KUCG) held its 5th Annual Research Symposium on May 8, 2026, at the Jayhawk Welcome Center, in Lawrence, Kansas. 1/3

This recently-accepted study shows that mountain uplift and river formation in SW China drove divergence in Allium macranthum. Researchers found deep genetic splits aligned with geographic regions, high ploidy diversity, and divergence dating to 6.7–1.9 Ma, coinciding with mountain uplift. 1/2

New work from the Earth Biogenome Project Norway: A high-quality genome of female bluethroat (Luscinia s. svecica) reveals detailed MHC regions and structural variations. This resource advances our understanding of avian genetics and immune diversity. Photo: gardenbird.co.uk 1/2

A recent study uses causal graphs & structural equation modeling to show how river features influence genetic differentiation. Their findings reveal that river width impacts gene flow differently for high and low dispersers, with wider rivers posing a greater barrier to high dispersers. 1/2

Did you know that some pygmy perches retain juvenile traits & small sizes due to paedomorphic miniaturization? New high-quality genomes for two of these species reveal insights into their evolution and will aid conservation efforts. Photo: Michael Hammer 1/2

A recently accepted Genome Resource features a high-quality reference genome for the rice stink bug (Oebalus pugnax), a major pest threatening rice production in the U.S.!  Photo: www.ricefarming.com 1/2

New research in conservation biobanking shows blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells and pericytes are faster, safer, and more efficient alternatives to skin fibroblasts for conserving endangered canids. (Image from the manuscript) 1/2

In Australia's Murray–Darling Basin, small and isolated freshwater populations like the southern pygmy perch (Nannoperca australis) face low genetic diversity and high climate vulnerability, especially upland. Photo: David Paul/Museums Victoria 1/2

Here are high-quality genome assemblies for the hybridizing field crickets Gryllus pennsylvanicus and Gryllus firmus, key models in speciation research! Each assembly is to chromosome scale, with nearly complete genomes. The authors also identify a major inversion on the X chromosome. 1/2

We have another recently published genome to share: a high-quality genome of the transverse lady beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata), a key aphid predator and declining biocontrol agent. Photo: Jesse Rorabaugh 1/2

A new chromosome-level genome for Atlantic threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) was recently accepted! This high-quality assembly captures key regions like Pitx1/PeLa (underpinning repeated loss of the pelvic girdle and spines), enhancing studies on adaptation and ancient DNA. 1/2

Here's a new genomics resource for the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), a species at risk due to habitat loss and poaching. This assembly offers detailed insights into spotted turtle genetics, aiding conservation efforts to protect and restore this unique species.  1/2

Registration is open for the #AGA2026 Presidential Symposium! Talks/Poster abstracts are due by September 1st. Here are more details and a list of the invited speakers: blog.theaga.org/aga-...

Come join us at #AGA2026 in beautiful Granlibakken! This year's theme is "Polygenic Adaptation in a Changing World." In addition to our lineup of amazing speakers invited by our current President Michael Nachman (www.nachmanlab.org/) we have room for a limited number of additional talks. 1/2

Check this out! A recently accepted article explores the genetic basis of pelvic fin loss in the snakehead (Channa asiatica). Findings include key mutations and structural variations, including changes in tbx4 and pax7a genes, as well as regulatory element loss. Photo: aquainfo.nl 1/2

🕊️ Exciting breakthrough: for the first time, scientists successfully derived and cultured primordial germ cells (PGCs) from the common pigeon (Columba livia)! This advances reproductive tech for avian conservation, enabling germline manipulation and biobanking in pigeons and related species. 1/2

🐟 The speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), a widespread freshwater fish in western North America, faces conservation challenges for several imperiled taxa. A new genome assembly provides a vital tool for insights into its evolution and resilience. Photo: Roger Tabor (USFWS) 1/2

Old goats, new insights!! 🐐 Native goat breeds like the UK’s Cheviot hold vital genetic diversity for future resilience. This study reveals their unique, primitive lineage with high inbreeding and limited admixture. Photo: PA Media 1/2

🌊 Despite gene flow, Atlantic cod ecotypes in Skagerrak maintain distinct life-history traits. This new study shows salinity-driven differences in egg buoyancy between Fjord and North Sea ecotypes, linked to environmental adaptation. Photo: Erling Svensen 1/2

🦎 A recent genomic study reveals hybridization and gene flow are key to the complex population structure of the Japanese fire-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. ddRAD-seq shows three main groups with hybrid zones, shaped by divergence and historical gene flow. Photo: © Jessica Miller 1/2

Exciting discovery in sacoglossan sea slugs, which can sequester functional chloroplasts into digestive cells! Researchers recently assembled a high-quality, chromosome-level genome of Elysia atroviridis. Phylogeny suggests divergence ~33 Mya. Photo: en.seaslug.world/@no... 1/2

We are excited to announce our 2026 winners of the Special Event Award! Full details here: blog.theaga.org/spec...

Researchers have assembled a near chromosome-level genome for the pine sawfly, Diprion pini—a major pest across Europe and Asia. Photo: © entomart 1/2

🚀 Protecting Earth's biodiversity for future generations, a Lunar Biorepository at the Moon’s south pole is proposed to store cryopreserved animal fibroblast samples. These could aid ecosystem revival, genetic rescue, and space exploration. Drawing: Johann August Ephraim Goeze (1773) 1/2

🌱 Restoring ecosystems with native plants depends on selecting the right seed sources. A recent genomics study of Artemisia frigida reveals genetic and trait diversity across regions, highlighting the importance of species-specific data for successful grassland restoration. 1/2

A new study on ornamental swordtails reveals how adaptive introgression drives rapid evolution despite hybrid incompatibility. Photo: Wojciech J. Płuciennik 1/2

Come see what all the (mosquito) buzz is about! A recently accepted manuscript outlines the development of high-quality chromosome-scale genomes for Aedes aegypti subspecies—key to understanding their role in spreading chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, & Zika. Illustration: E.A. Goeldi (1905) 1/2

Some recent simulations shed light on mito-nuclear discordance! While genetic drift due to different Ne contributes to discordance, sex-biased dispersal—especially female-biased dispersal—significantly amplifies it, leading to spatial mismatches between mitochondrial & nuclear diversity. 1/2

Here's a genome from the Vertebrate Genomes Project (vertebrategenomespro...): a chromosome-level assembly for the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)! 🐋 This resource advances cetacean research and conservation. Photo: Stefan Thiesen Buntrabe 1/2